Some things I’ve been working on. I find that working in groups of 15 helps me concentrate and stay focused. I’m excited to see how it’ll progress and evolve.

At the same time, I have lots of unfinished projects both work-related and personal that are in the middle or almost done. Finishing has always been a struggle for me. Over the last week I’ve tried working with a timer, writing lists, using post-its on my desk, and making notes on my phone. Intense, but I need all the help I can get! Then there’s the creative block and feeling totally unoriginal… pff. I’ll save that for another day.

I’m testing out decoration ideas with remnant fabric. Originally intended to be a garland, it can also work as a jump rope (I tested it out :)) They’re still works in progress, but I like where they are heading and they’re very relaxing to make. Maybe I’ll sew in a few brass bells to add some more whimsy.

I’ve been playing around with packaging ideas and working on little presents to give our friends when we go to Chicago tomorrow. (!!!) From an economic standpoint (if I were to sell these later on), it doesn’t make sense to spend so much time on the labels because they’re going to get ripped off anyways. But I like personalizing them and it’s been fun to think up a variety of designs that fits each person–e.g., rainbows and composition paper for Mairead, a writer and wearer of bright colors. I hate throwing away scraps and magazines, so I’m glad these materials are getting a second life. If they don’t get used as labels, they can also serve as place cards, although I’m not sure how I feel about making 300+ for our reception. Eek.

Michael Allan

I woke up early today to help our art supervisor hang up over 200 dog show pieces down at the Reliant Stadium. I heard some school districts refused to enter this year as a sign of protest. Supposedly, the judges were only giving high honors to artwork depicting pure breeds. Ridiculous. They also have a habit of picking super-realistic drawings, like of the Houston Livestock and Rodeo show, so I’m glad there was at least one winner who was a little more expressive. Personally, the younger kids’ drawings are more appealing than the high schoolers, but it’s kind of hard not to like kids’ art in the first place, right? Never been to a dog show but if it’s anything like Best in Show, I’m sure it’ll be a hoot.

This week, we’re starting an introduction into jewelry with my beginning classes. I’m hoping for no injuries! While putting together my presentations, I remembered these two artists who greatly influenced my love for jewelry. Although I only have one class under my belt, I’m dying to make something!

“The Victorians kept lockets of hair and miniature portraits painted with ground hair and pigment to secure the memory of a lost love. In much the same way, I secure my memories through photographic images rendered in lines of my own hair, the physical remnants. I do not reproduce events, but quiet minutes, the mundane, the domestic, the ordinary moments.”

Iris Bodemer

A beautiful and initmate alternative to the tape and bandages we wrap on the rings we inherit or acquire.